Modern family lives are often stressful and we feel disconnected. Family travel provides an opportunity to reunite by eating meals together, sight-seeing and having fun. This brings families closer physically, mentally, and emotionally. Travel also teaches children the importance of making memories and enjoying experiences, rather than wanting possessions. You can enjoy your kids again with family travel!

Explore our top travel picks that are sure to captivate your teens and have them forgetting about their phones!

No regrets, only unforgettable memories! Multigenerational family travel is all about strengthening family history and legacy. Shared travel experiences often contribute to a family’s history, helping to build a sense of identity and continuity for future generations.

Jessica Griscavage and Jennifer Dennis recently traveled to Italy, the homeland of their grandfather. They experienced meaningful moments that deepened their connection to their roots. Seeing their Dad meet his first cousins and witnessing the bonds they created as a family were experiences that only travel could bring. Time is precious, and ‘I’m so glad I did’ is always easier than ‘I wish I had…'”

One of Runway Travel’s favorite family destinations is the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA. It is the most peaceful environment that will help the whole family forget the tensions of work and school. This timeless destination will rejuvenate the mind and body.

The Resort

The Salamander Resort & Spa is a Forbes Five-Star resort set in the countryside and is the ultimate place of discovery and the epitome of luxury. It is dedicated to health and wellness between the spa, equestrian facilities, cooking studio and offers endless outdoor activities such as zip lining through the treetops, tennis, nature hikes, and archery. Discover exciting adventures, romantic escapades and plenty of family-friendly activities right on the property. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a complimentary putting green for aspiring golfers, full equestrian center, and lawn games including croquet, bocce ball, corn hole and life-sized chess. Also, discover the surrounding area and browse local boutique shops, explore local wineries and enjoy exclusive golf privileges at Creighton Farms.

A Claus for Celebration!

He’s making a list, checking it twice, and stopping by for brunch! This December for Brunch with Santa, a cherished family tradition with two festive dates to choose from, 12/8 and 12/15. Delight in a bountiful spread of sweet and savory holiday treats, and capture special moments with Santa and his merry elves. Bring the entire family to share laughter, delicious fare, and heartwarming memories in the company of the jolly man in red. Other festive events include:

The Santa Experience: From November 30 to December 1, guests can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride leading to Santa’s workshop, complete with a private photo session with Santa.

Salamander Tree Lighting: On December 4, gather around the grand Christmas tree in the Living Room to enjoy hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, carolers, and a special visit from Santa.

Brunch with Santa: On December 8 and 15, the Middleburg Ballroom transforms into a winter wonderland where guests can visit with Santa and his elves while enjoying a festive brunch.

Christmas Dinner in Harrimans: On December 24 and 25, celebrate the magic of Christmas with a special four-course meal at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill.

Christmas Day Grand Brunch: On December 25, enjoy a grand brunch buffet featuring holiday favorites, including omelet and Belgian waffle stations, carving stations, and an array of sweet treats.

Outside of the holidays, the top five family activities at the Salamander are:

No. 1:   Equestrian experiences
No. 2:   Zipline through the treetops
No. 3:   Shopping and history in Middleburg
No. 4:   Sunday family style brunch at Harrimans
No. 5:   Sweet family treats

Are you ready to take in the breathtaking views of the countryside? Contact us and we’ll curate the perfect family-friendly itinerary in Virginia’s horse country.

The wait is almost over!!!! Bluey’s World, located in the vibrant city of Brisbane, Australia, opens on November 7, 2024! It’s a must-visit destination for fans of the beloved animated TV series “Bluey.” This family-friendly attraction brings the world of Bluey and her friends to life, offering an immersive and interactive experience that delights both children and adults.

• Bluey’s House: Step into a life-sized replica of Bluey’s house and explore the rooms where many of the show’s adventures take place. Kids can engage in various activities and pretend play scenarios inspired by the episodes.
• Playgrounds and Adventure Zones: Outdoor play areas featuring climbing structures, slides, and obstacle courses designed to encourage imaginative play and physical activity.
• Live Performances: Enjoy live shows featuring Bluey, Bingo, and their friends. These performances are filled with music, dance, and storytelling that captivate audiences of all ages.
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Kids can meet their favorite characters in person, providing memorable photo opportunities and personal interactions.
• Creative Workshops: Participate in art and craft sessions where children can create their own Bluey-themed artwork and souvenirs.
• Educational Programs: Interactive learning sessions that teach important life skills and values, inspired by the themes of the show.
• Themed Cafés and Snack Bars: Enjoy a variety of delicious meals and treats in Bluey-themed dining areas. Menu options cater to both kids and adults, offering a mix of healthy and indulgent choices.
• Gift Shops: Browse a selection of Bluey merchandise, including toys, clothing, books, and more, to take home a piece of the magic.

After your day with the Heeler family, Brisbane offers a range of activities suitable for young children. Do not miss Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see koalas and other Australian wildlife up close. Explore South Bank Parklands with The Wheel, its playgrounds, water features, and the Streets Beach. Visiting the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre for its interactive exhibits is definitely worth it. Contact Us for this exciting adventure Down Under!

Runway Travel is thrilled to introduce Nemacolin — a four-season, luxury resort — to our clients. Nemacolin is nestled in the mountains of the Laurel Highlands, southwest of Pittsburgh, across 2,200 acres in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Experience real-life magic with a personally curated retreat to Nemacolin, featuring five lodging options, five-star dining, spa and wellness facilities, golf on two Pete Dye-designed courses, adventurous activities, and year-round events. Elevated accommodations range from the thrilling grandeur of The Chateau and modern elegance of the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Falling Rock, both recipients of the Forbes Travel Guide 2022 Awards, to the refreshing ease of The Lodge as well as The Homes and the privacy of The Estates. Our clients have come to expect award-winning spa and wellness services, breathtaking grounds, family adventures, and world-renowned golf. Nemacolin also offers Orvis-endorsed fly fishing, clay shooting, countless outdoor activities, snow sports, shopping, horseback riding, dogsledding, wildlife experiences, art tours, Jeep off-roading, and magical seasonal events. Familiarize yourself more with this amazing resort and sample a 5-day itinerary.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is the perfect home base for a serene getaway or a Maui adventure! Nestled on 54 acres and enveloped by the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, it is renowned for two championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, a best-in-class Club Lounge, and Maui’s newest luxury luau, Tales of the Kapa Moe. The hotel showcases a stunning, destination resort offering 468 newly reimagined guest rooms, including 107 residential suites, with all new décor capturing Kapalua’s rich heritage and natural aloha. Protected natural landscapes and lava rock peninsulas inspire the feeling of being transported a world away while still being close to incredible activities and adventures.

The activities are as endless as the horizon! Tee off where the PGA TOUR champions play. Hike along coastal and mountain trails. Enjoy family-friendly adventures with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program which offers all interest levels an array of outdoor activities from land to sea, led by trained naturalists. Immerse yourself in authentic Hawaiian culture.

The resort was voted #1 Resort on Maui by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. The The Ritz-Carlton Spa® Maui, Kapalua beckons with treatment rooms framed by private garden showers, volcanic stone grottos, steam, sauna and whirlpool therapies, outdoor couple’s hale (cabanas) and a fitness center and movement studio with spectacular ocean views. Upcoming events include Whale Tales, Kapalua Concert Series, 32nd Annual Celebration of the Arts, and Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. The resort proudly offers a sunset ceremony and live music every night in its lobby lounge. Contact us to book this haven of luxury on Maui’s stunning coast!

Grande Lakes Orlando is home to over 500 acres of the most enchanting natural surroundings and enriching activities found in Florida. Our guests enjoy the relaxing ambiance of this unique resort and the convenience to all of Orlando’s world class attractions and culture.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is ideal for families, providing convenient access to nearby Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios attractions by offering complimentary shuttles. The Ritz Kids program is a favorite, and special excursions like kayaking, fishing lessons, archery, and ecotours allow for adventures while on this 500-acre resort. When you’re done exploring, take in the view from your spacious guest room’s balcony, choose from 13 dining options including MICHELIN star offerings, and enjoy a round at the Greg Norman-designed Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, or a trip around our lazy river or down one of our new three water slides! The award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa is also not to be missed, with its 40 treatment rooms, salon, private heated lap pool, and healthy spa café.

The new Ritz-Carlton Residences Orlando offers 3-or 4-bedroom villas with the comforts of a private home with the splendor of an estate. Each home is two-stories and exudes a modern organic style complete with luxury features such as a private pool & hot tub, multi-vehicle garage, a full kitchen and a summer kitchen designed with stunning textures and top-of-the-line appliances. Amenities include a private owners-only Clubhouse, 24-hour security and access to The Ritz-Carlton resort facilities.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes redefines the Orlando experience and offers unparalleled activities for the entire family! Contact Runway Travel to enjoy Orlando in style.

Built to resemble a traditional Fijian village, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is a multi award-winning, inclusive, eco-sensitive boutique resort, and one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific. Guests of all ages enjoy recreational, immersive cultural, wellness, and nature activities, with ecological exploration, understated luxury, and traditional Fijian hospitality. Surrounded by a marine sanctuary, this resort boasts world-class snorkeling and diving, a private island for exclusive use by couples and families, two resident marine biologists, and family facilities offering educational kids’ programs. Contact Runway Travel for pricing and availability.

Japan is a dramatic tapestry of cultural and natural heritage woven from its pink cherry blossoms, snowy mountain peaks, meticulous ceremonies, and striking pagodas that crisscross the highly volcanic archipelago nation of nearly 7,000 islands. Over 60% of Japan is covered in mountains, with nine forest ecoregions ranging from subtropical to temperate, and its famous “Snow Monkeys” – the Japanese Macaque – are the northern-most non-human primate. The country’s varied climates and terrains lend themselves to world-class skiing, surfing, hiking, and soaking in an extensive network of traditional onsen – natural hot springs. Known globally for its hypermodern cities, a high-speed shinkansen bullet train connecting the country, and a renowned national cuisine, Japan is an inspiring study in contrasts between ancient and modern. Contact Runway Travel for pricing and availability and read our recommended 9-day Japan itinerary.

Geology is fascinating especially when it comes to life! Iceland delivers beauty and Thingvellir is one of the few places in the world where you can see the effects of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling apart. See Runway Travel’s recommended 7-day Iceland itinerary. In one day you will walk behind a waterfull, snowmobile on top of a glacier and then travel across lava fields from one of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions dating back to the 18th century. Another day you will go on a private glacier walk onto an ice field to see a wonderland of ice sculptures. Keep in mind, the Northern Lights are visible from September to early April. Your guide will help you maximize your chances of seeing the Auroras. Contact us for Iceland trip details.

Etéreo in the Riviera Maya offers families culture, history, beautiful beaches and activities all at a gorgeous resort. Revel in the pure joy of family time at Etéreo, whose unique location floating over a forest of lush greenery and opening onto unspoiled white sand beaches set the stage for extraordinary adventures in nature. Learn about the surrounding flora with the in-house botanist, or paddle, kayak, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

Parents deserve some alone time. Etéreo’s kids club Chavitos is a junior explorer’s paradise for adventures for ages  4 to 11.  Chavitos offers an array of fun activities ranging from nature walks, water sports, to crafting your own alebrije, or Mexican spirit idol. For families with children 13+, Runway Travel recommends the Sabores cooking class where you’ll learn about the ancient xamach, or comal, Mexico’s hot cooking vessel, from their chefs and local experts. Make fresh tortillas and prepare delicious small dishes, which you can replicate at home in this hands-on culinary experience.

Contact Runway Travel to learn about the accommodation options, luxury amenities and the dedicated kids club that ensures a relaxing time for all.

Kids probably think that a European vacation is looking at castle after castle and a million churches. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Seeing the Parisian iconic monuments in a private horse-drawn carriage is much more fun then getting on and off a bus! It’s hard not to enjoy a private lesson from a chocolatier in London. If baking is more your interest, a Portuguese pastry chef will teach you how to make pasties de nata, a national delicacy. Runway Travel has compiled a list of fun, memorable European family activities all will enjoy.

Terranea (terra-NAY-a) Resort is poised above the Pacific on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula. A hidden gem on the Los Angeles coast, this 102-acre luxury Southern California resort destination is surrounded by tranquil waves and offers a whole new world of relaxation and adventure that words just can’t describe. The Palos Verdes Peninsula was once part of the Channel Islands, a sister to the island you see to the west, Catalina Island. You will feel like you are a world away, yet the resort is only 45 minutes from LAX and half hour to one hour from all the major Los Angeles areas and sites (SoFi Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, Disneyland, Hollywood, World Cruise Center, etc.) Check out Terranea events and activities along with the Virtuoso amenities you’ll receive when booking through Runway Travel!